Ohio Valley residents participate in a previous Interfaith March for Peace and Justice, part of the Ohio Valley’s celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year’s march, set for Sunday afternoon, is the centerpiece of a weekend of local events honoring the civil rights icon who was assassinated in 1968. (File Photo)

WHEELING — The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday happens Jan. 20, and a weekend of events has been set locally to commemorate the occasion.

The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, a committee of clergy and volunteers representing many local churches, has planned the festivities.

“The community response is always incredibly encouraging,” said Liz Handzus, marketing and development director for YWCA Wheeling. “Each year we see strong participation, thoughtful submissions, and meaningful conversations that show how deeply Dr. King’s message still resonates.”

Events begin Friday evening, Jan. 16. Rabbi Joshua Lief will preside at an MLK-themed Shabbat Service at 7 p.m., Temple Shalom, 23 Bethany Pike, Wheeling. Members of all faiths are welcome.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, there will be a student panel discussion at West Virginia Northern Community College,1704 Market St., Wheeling. Later, at 7 p.m., the Ohio Valley Festival for Filmmakers of Color will take place at Wheeling University’s Troy Theater.

Events on Sunday, Jan. 18 begin with the MLK March beginning at 2:15 p.m. at the Windmill atop Wheeling HIll on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Wheeling. The march will end at WVNCC.

Participants are encouraged to park near the college, walk to the top of the hill to begin the march, or take advantage of the free shuttle bus service.

The MLK and Rosa Parks Award Presentations next will take place starting at 3 p.m. at WVNCC. This will be followed by the MLK Dinner at 4 p.m. at the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, 1610 Eoff Street, Wheeling.

Sunday’s events conclude with an interfaith prayer service and awards presentation at 6 p.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 1410 Chapline St., Wheeling.

The actual MLK Day holiday is Monday, Jan. 19, and beginning at 9 a.m. there will be children’s programming at Laughlin Memorial Chapel, 129 18th St., Wheeling. Awards will be presented at 9:30 a.m. to winners of the Martin Luther King essay, music, and video contests.

“Each year, our MLK events and contest give our community an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while actively engaging in conversations about equity, justice and inclusion,” Handzus said. “It’s one of the ways the YWCA continues to turn his vision into meaningful action.”